The idea that Celestial Exalted would actually betray their own kind by allying with the Usurpers is a shocking thought to Queen Chilomena. "Surely that could not be so. I pray it is not!" She actually shudders in horror at the very concept. After all, it is in her genetic code to consider the Celestials her betters, especially Solars. She has seen cruelty between the Exalts before, but it was always quarrels between Deliberative members or their Stewards -- it is an entirely different thought that a Celestial might consent to enslave another, even indirectly.

While the Queen considers this disturbing revelation, Third takes the opportunity to glean what knowledge it can from the Archichoros before the sapphire artisans take it away.

[Private to Third Beneficiary of Orderly Knowledge: The Leto project is designed to allow Dragon-blooded to wield Celestial and greater sorceries by binding sorcery spells into magitech. Archichoros is one such magitech weapon powered by Essence battery, which any Dragon-blooded could use (attunement is still required, there's no way the DBs would allow mortals to go running around with weapons like these).

Depending on the spell there is a certain amount of 'charge time' involved, which the switches on the grip allows control of, basically feeding in energy gradually into the spell formation, as opposed to a traditional cannon trigger. The controls may also be used to alter the spell patterns in various ways for area of effect, intensity, etc. It would take a certain amount of Lore/Occult/Essence to operate them at all, equivalent to the requirements for the spell circle.

It is very likely a Celestial had to be involved at the very least in the higher-end theoretical design, and the use of greater Magical Materials, but an elder Dragon-blood (Essence 6+) could have had enough skill to do the majority of the work. Particularly if aided by other supernatural beings -- Exalted aren't the only ones that can build and design, after all.

If you want to know more about the magic stored in the Archichoros you'll need an Int+Occult roll.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:02, Fri 01 May 2009.

"I agree" Danae said, nodding.  "But it's never actually a 'Bad' idea to consider a worst case scenario.  As far as I know, it might just be that they have access to particularly formidable indoctrination devices, and they've put most of their own elder craftsmen on maintaining them, it's another explaination that makes sense given what we know--though it doesn't leave them with a lot of room for error...  Fortunately, as things stand, it'll take a rather absurd number of Dragon Blooded to bring one of our better fighters down--I myself could give a good fight to a sizable number--but even in a best case scenario, we'll have to go into this expecting Celestial level opposition through the enslavement collars, there was one young one..."  She trailed off, and shook her head.

"At any rate, it does seem that high ranking Dragon Blooded can exert particularly powerful controls on young Celestials...  Frankly, we need to find a counter for the collars too--and we need to find 'Some' way of getting at least SOME of the Dragon Blooded in our camp as well.  I don't deny the assistance of your Ruby Warriors, but we'll need further allies, both from the people of Five Coils, and from our remaining allies within--otherwise, it doesn't matter how well we've performed up to that point, Midway'll stop us dead in the water, it's not the sort of place that can be captured by subterfuge alone like we've done so far... Hopefully though, when materials allow for it, I should be able to begin producing some golems to help fill out the ranks, especially with the aid of your people."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:11, Fri 01 May 2009.

From the front of the mining settlement, where the refugees' celebration continues, one of the guards Drachma sent to watch them comes running in. "Excuse my interruption, Exalted, Hive Queen. Lookouts report four individuals approaching the site of the old tunnel. We think they may be your allies from the Conclave. They're not trying to hide themselves... seems they've found some way to distract the sentries for a time."

The drumbeats and reed flutes have stopped for the moment. The refugees have learned to be cautious and do not take for granted their freedom, so they quiet it down until they can be certain of the situation.

"Ahh... in any case... I think that it would be appropriate for at least one of the Celestial Exalted to greet them." The guard scratches his head, a little uncertain in a situation like this. Getting acclimated to Celestials was one thing but now there's insect royalty, too.

"I do not think you should underestimate the Usurpers," says the Queen to Danae, "numbers or not, I would expect them to be instructed on how to combat Celestials, and superiorly equipped."

"Securing more allies would be imperative, though. I believe you may have success with the mortals of the district; as for the Dragon-blooded I would recommend against starting with Immaculate Order members." Chilomena is, of course, oblivious to the fact Harmony of Enlightenment is currently guarding a group of Immaculate monks and acolytes Third and Higura have recently captured. "We would be pleased to aid with the construction of these 'golems'. Our memory has retained the designs for several automatons created in this District and others, to give you a basis to work with."

"Also, as I have explained, the Gatekeeper of Water is sending two more free Celestials above. I would like to describe them in more detail; however I do think we should greet these new arrivals first. I wish to meet them as well."

---

OOC: People from Conclave can start stepping in when ready. I've heard from both Dreams and Dashu that they are RL busy though, so it's likely we'll move through this quickly, time skip, and get everyone in the builder bug hive to finalize plans.

"I'll go double-check on our visitors just in case there's trouble." Dena suggests, heading over to recover her essence-lash.  "Even if they're friendly, with the tunnel closed off they'll probably need directions to find the new entrance.  Anybody care to come with me?"

Third nods. "We have already captured three Dragon-Blooded. They are Immaculates, but at least one of them has begun to question. In fact, if you are able to offer some place for us to keep them imprisoned, once we are moved into the hive, Third would be most appreciative. We have used the collars to prevent them from using essence or attempting to escape, but having some form of extra insurance would ease our minds." Third nods its head respectfully towards Chilomena. "It will be more difficult than it would be with any peace officers, Third has no doubt of that. But if we do succeed... It will show us the way towards greater numbers." It looks towards Dena. "Third will be glad to join you." the Solar says, standing, hefting the short daiklave again, moving to walk with the Lunar to greet their returning comrades.

What Dena, Third and anyone else who comes along notices of Nanaret is... not Nanaret. They see the persona of 'Spring Dew', a stately figure in an Immaculate robe and a hooded cloak, guiding another robed figure wearing one of the reviled slave collars.

As the hooded figure approaches the site of the old tunnel, she stops in alarm, finally noticing the cave-in. She pauses and holds up a hand to her companions, leaving Dreams momentarily with the others as she steps forward cautiously to search the area. [Private to GM: 14:36, Today: Saina Nanaret rolled 4 successes using 9d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 10,2,5,3,1,2,10,1,5. Searching!. Perc+Aware+3 Excellency.]

(OOC: Her disguise roll was 7 successes. So Nanaret actually looks *very* much like an Immaculate right now. I just realized the implications of this, whoops. Though I figure there could be bonuses to recognize her since the PCs actually know Nanaret.)

(edit - I forgot Dreams is wearing a normal acolyte robe right now and not her more skimpy one.)
This message was last edited by the player at 05:13, Sat 02 May 2009.

"Sadly, the concept of those of our kind who have betrayed their calling and sided with the usurpers is not merely speculation." Higura says, his expression one of sadness for a moment. "I at least know of some of the Starchosen who have decided to side with the Terrestrials. They are in the upper districts, helping them guide and control the flocks with the power of the Maidens." The doctor shakes his head, then nods once the Queen speaks again.

"Queen Chilomena is right in her assumption as well. Many of the Terrestrials have been trained from birth to fight us in case of an uprising. This is even more true the more one ascend the Coils. They have found many ways to cancel the shortcomings their Exaltation has compared to ours, using teamwork and artifacts to compensate for the difference in power. Against those teams, even a two-on-one situation can be a quick and deadly affair. We would be well advised to act in prudence."

Nodding to the others, Higura bows to the Queen once the group speaks of going to meet the newly arrivals. "I will accompany you as well." He says, falling in step with the others.

Once he sees the woman in the Immaculate robe, however, he immediately stops in his tracks, his hand on his sword as he steps in to cover the Queen. "And who might you be?" He asks, calmly but warily, as he watches over the robed woman. His thoughts quickly race as to how to handle the situation, his body tensing up at the chance of a confrontation. Peripherally, however, he catches sight of Dashu and Xurizu, standing close to the woman in the back of the tunnel. Cautiously, he decides to call out to them.

"Mister Dashu? Mister Xurizu? Is that you?"

"Truly," says the Hive Queen to Third, "you have Usurpers here, in your Hive? We could accommodate for imprisonment. Mmm... yes. I could leave some of my Ruby Defenders to keep watch over them. It will make many Hive members uncomfortable, but it can be done."

"It would be miraculous for you to turn even one of them. But you are the Creators. I will believe."

Queen Chilomena rises to her feet with her ruby warriors flanking her. With a gesture she directs the princesses to stay, and advances at a leisurely pace, trailing behind Higura, Third and Dena. But the tone of Higura's voice, upon encountering the newcomers, alerts the rubies to danger. They quickly move in front of her, looming from behind the Sidereal with their razor-sharp, blade-tipped forelegs raised.

[Private to Dreams-of-Light; Ledaal Xurizu; Peleps Dashu; Saina Nanaret: Here is a description of the builder bugs. The Hive Queen Chilomena is in a humanoid form, much like a female human, except rather than human flesh she has pure white, chitinous plates covering her body, serving as both exoskeleton and clothing. She also has four arms rather than two, antennae jutting from her head, and large eyes that are jet black and lack a pupil. Her diaphanous, opaline wings glitter as if encrusted by diamonds, draping down her back like a royal mantle.

The ruby guardians are of a size comparable to a large warhorse. Their exoskeletons are a bright ruby red, and they look something like ants, with a head, thorax and abdomen and six legs. They have no wings. The rubies stand on the back four legs, while the front two are not properly legs, as they are sharp as straight blades or sickles. Their size and color are meant to make them appear intimidating. There's a pair of them with the Queen, standing with her behind Higura, and at the moment their stance looks threatening.]

"Sorry sir," whispers one of the human lookouts to Higura, his face a mix of apologetic and nervous as he glances at 'Spring May'. He wears one of the wood-enchanted breastplates taken from the previous Immaculate attack, and holds a short spear at the ready. "We didn't realize they had a monk with 'em..."

The four figures that the lookouts had announced still stand several yards distant from the tunnel opening, partially shadowed by the darkness outside. All of them are wearing hooded cloaks.

Two of them strongly resemble Dashu and Xurizu, as Higura's keen senses have already pointed out. The other pair are the unknown Immaculate and the collared slave: an attractive woman, dark of hair and eye. But she looks tired and haggard, as if she has gone without proper sustenance for days.

Seeing an Immaculate monk approach serves to distract Talia from her internal struggle.  She tenses and stands ready to spring into battle if necessary.

It's somewhat fortunate that Dena tends to try to talk her way out of trouble before she (pretty much inevitably, given how bad she is at talking) brings things to a more physical level.  Thus it was that Dena consciously began to exude a pleasing array of pheremones as she waved cheerfully and started advancing on the apparent immaculate.
"Hi, can I help you find anything?" she asks, unfortunately oblivious to the hooded figure's true identity.

Xurizu was wearing no cloak, having discarded that whilst he was back in the Conclave, the better to throw off his pursuers.  It's therefore very obvious it is him when he steps forward into the light.  "Yes," he says with a smile.  His smile falters just a little as he sees the source of the clicking he had been hearing for the past few minutes, and their threatening posture.What are they? ... and who is she? he wonders, but doesn't voice out loud.

"Hello again, Doctor Higura, Dena, Third," he nods to each in turn.  His eyes sparkled a little.  "May I present to you Dreams-of-Light," he gestures to the monk in the robes more like that of a courtesan.  "And 'Spring Dew'," his tone making the air quotes quite clear.  "Or Saina Nanaret."

"We got her out of the Conclave," he adds for the benefit of the insectoidal guests who may not have known the purpose of their mission.
[Private to GM: I figure with 5 sux on a Per+Awareness roll he heard them coming a while off.  No-one noted they were taking any care with stealth.]
This message was last edited by the player at 00:37, Sun 03 May 2009.

Third, like the others, reacts cautiously to the monk... But then, when Xurizu speaks, its pose relaxes. "Many things have happened. We have guests, and an offer of alliance. Please, come join us. Nanaret, your disguises are clearly superb, Third takes it that you were able to avoid detection?' It bows to Dreams-of-Light, smiling pleasantly. 'Let us lead you into the enclave. We have much to discuss...' It is taking Xurizu at his word- There's no sign of a slave collar, and if they intended to invade, they would be much better armed than a single monk, after all. 'It is good to meet you.' the wan Solar says, holding a hand out to Dreams-of-Light. 'Third notices that you appear to be in need of rest and food, and having that collar removed post haste. Please, enjoy our hospitality.' The Solar is always happy for more Celestials to join their fight.

When introduced by Xurizu, the figure in the Immaculate robe hastily pulls down her hood, her stance and mannerisms shifting to a more languid attitude. She is once again 'herself'... or at least the self she calls Nanaret. Even so, if the others in the settlement didn't recognize the Lunar's voice, they might have remained convinced by her Immaculate identity, given how naturally and accurately she managed to wrap herself in it.

"So sorry," Nanaret says apologetically, ducking her head. "Yes, I am Nanaret. Not meant to cause trouble for all of you. Disguise was part of our escape... was effective, yes, but our way here still full of danger. Had help from smuggler allies, but still had to help kill Immaculate that was holding Dreams-of-Light. He was Earth master named Gerrun. He died, but were two others that saw us, that got away. They disappeared, teleported, I think? So they not seen the route we took coming here."

"Think the one called Zerabia would recognize me should we meet again. And Dreams as well. Dashu and Xurizu were hiding but I was forced use much power to fight..." She trails off, realizing her rambling could be rude to the guests Third pointed out, but not quite sure what to make of them. Particularly the threatening red ones. But Higura is with them, and she trusts Higura implicitly. She has spent enough time with Third to believe it would not deceive its allies so easily, too.

"We talk more, but step into safety of cave first, better not to attract sentries back this way. Also, Dreams somewhere to rest, and food for her. She been starved, I think. They tried break her hard because she so defiant." Nanaret shakes her head, then takes a tentative step into the mouth of the new tunnel she'd not seen before, watching the red-hued guardian insects for any hostile reaction.

Dreams-of-Light smiles graciously and bows in greeting, despite looking as if she is about to collapse. Too worn out to be choosy, she allows herself to be brought into the care of her fellow Celestials. But even through her weariness, a fierce joy emanates from her dark eyes. She murmurs praise to a Sun she has never yet seen, in thanks for bringing her this far.

Fortunately, the issue of removing Dreams' collar is quickly solved when she takes it off herself. Apparently she'd only been wearing it loosely to make it seem like she was still enslaved.

Meanwhile, Hive Queen Chilomena seems to have gained enough bearing on the situation that she calls off the threatening stance of her ruby guardians. She pauses a moment, listening to Jhenli explain in both their native languages (Old Realm and the silent body-language and pheremones of insects) of the newcomer's disguise, the recently liberated Celestial, and that the incoming group has just returned from the Conclave. "It seems there is even more for us to celebrate," is Chilomena's reply to the gathered Exalts, conveyed impeccably by her communicator. "We congratulate your safe return."

Now that identities have been more or less resolved, insectoid and human beings alike start moving away from the narrow entrance tunnel and back to the settlement proper.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:00, Sun 03 May 2009.

"We've had our own immaculate encounter as well." Dena mentions as they head in.  "We were concerned about search parties coming after them, so we collapsed the tunnel and dug a new entrance.  We have several prisoners now to deal with, all collared."

Almost immediately, Higura's expression seems to shift from tense caution to surprise then to something akin to mild dejection. Obviously, the doctor is somewhat saddened at not being able to see past Nanaret's disguise - although this can be chalked up to the woman's raw talent at impersonation and subterfuge.

The moment does not last long, however, soon replaced by a visible sense of relief at seeing his comrades safe. "I am truly glad to see you all safe and sound - and no doubt with successes to speak of." The doctor smiles, and shakes both Dashu and Xurizu's hands, and inclining his head to Nanaret. He immediately sets out to help with the woman identified as Dreams-of-Light, quickly assessing her condition while offering to help her walk to the settlement. " I am Doctor Yaishin Higura." he begins, smiling. "We will have some food and water prepared, as well as some quarters where you can sleep and rest. You look like you went through quite an ordeal, so you should take your time to recover for now."

"We have much to discuss." He says, to the newly arrivals. "Let us step into the camp, help Miss Dreams-of-Light to get comfortable, and then we can begin to exchange information."

When the newcomers identify themselves, Talia relaxed, rolling her shoulders to release the tension.  She recognizes Nanaret, once she drops her false persona, and while the others are unfamiliar to her it is clear that they do not bear hostile intentions.  She follows the group back into the settlement.

"Ah, so you decided collar them after all," Nanaret comments while walking along with the others. "I hope we not trying to make slaves of them. That not sit well with me. But maybe they tell you something, information of use?"

Seeing the food tables set up around the area, she fetches some of the roasted fish and a cup of soup for Dreams-of-Light to eat. Then she sets down her wrapped bundle, grabs another serving for herself and finds a rock to sit on in the settlement clearing. "So what we tell first? Maybe best we know who the guests are first. I apologize." Nanaret bows her head to the white figure that seems to be important among the insects and insect humanoids. Perhaps used to seeing mutants down in Floor B30, she does not react negatively to their alien appearance.

"I am Saina Nanaret. Formerly gladiatrix champion of the Pit. Not by own desire of course. Was when I still wore the collar. I am Chosen of Luna and free Celestial now. We just come back from trying make contacts with the people of nearby Laborer's Conclave. In some ways we successful... but some not. Is heavy guarded there, so I no longer can return there so easily, after combat to free Dreams-of-Light."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:21, Wed 06 May 2009.

Once everyone is gathered again, Queen Chilomena addresses the newcomers directly, standing while the others sit. "Greetings to you Saina Nanaret. And Dashu, Xurizu, Dreams-of-Light." It seems the Hive Queen (and by extension her translator) has a good memory for names. [Private to Dreams-of-Light; Ledaal Xurizu; Peleps Dashu; Saina Nanaret: The translator, who speaks in a male voice in flawlessly pronounced Low Realm, is also currently in a part insect, part human form but golden in hue.]

"I am Queen Chilomena of Hive Irix Chilomena, the last surviving free species of builder insects in the Pillar of Creation. It is the true name of this vast city, for Five Coils is the name the Usurpers gave it," she points out emphatically. Though her face is incapable of human expression, her disapproval of the Terrestrials who now rule the Pillar is obvious.

"It pleases us greatly to see so many Celestial Chosen gathered in one place. It gives us hope that the old Circle may one day be united, and the factories of the Pillar once more devoted to its true Creators. For this we will offer all the help and hospitality we can give. Already we have spoken of it to your allies. We will be sharing our Hive with you for the meantime, hide you with us while plans are finalized for your next move. And should your plans be militant, as no doubt they must be -- we will devote all our effort to aiding your crafters in producing weaponry and armor, and our best ruby warriors as support."

Dreams-of-Light seems incapable of doing nothing more than eating and listening for the time being. She already looks quite drowsy, though thankful for all the courtesy.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:17, Mon 04 May 2009.

"Greetings, Queen Chilomena of Hive Irix Chilomena," Xurizu says, a respectful tone in his voice, inclining his head towards the monarch and her guards, briefly.  His mannerisms suggested that he was quite curious of the builder insects--especially the half-human ones--although he was avoiding flat out starring at them.  He'd had no conception that such things might exist, and now that the adrenaline from the escape had calmed itself with the food he had taken from the tables, his curiosity in them had progressed beyond a simple threat-or-not consideration.

"It gladdens me to hear that you will be aiding us in our struggles," he says, not adding that perhaps he isn't so interested in seeing the factories put back into use, so much as getting out of this place which hadn't even left him with bad memories to have, his fingers tightening about the gem in his pocket.  "I hope that we can work well together."

He's quiet about what he used to do before the collars were deactivated, instead listening out for more details on the Immaculates that had been captured--quite a coup, and no mistake.

With Queen Chilomena in attendance, the Celestials gather to inform one another of the latest goings-on.

In the B25 Laborers Conclave, Dashu, Nanaret and Xurizu managed to pass through the guard checkpoints by taking on the alternate identities of Freidr, Bryn and Jenci, respectively. They spent only a few days in the area, but were able to establish some contacts with some potential allies. Most notably, the man known as Mockingbird, who deals in Earth District smuggling. He is apparently acquainted with Free and has agreed to arrange a meeting with Dashu and Xurizu (and possibly, whomever else they might bring) and the mysterious if rather effective rebel. Dashu received a scroll-shaped artifact that may be used to contact Mockingbird again.

Mockingbird also indirectly assisted in the extraction of Dreams-of-Light, who was enslaved by the late Earth Master Gerrun in the B25 Conclave's Immaculate Temple. Dashu, Nanaret and Xurizu entered as their alter egos attending mass, but afterward, Nanaret ended up causing trouble by standing up for Dreams when Gerrun appeared to be abusing her publically. She was forced to fight to defend herself against Gerrun as well as the Dragon-blooded woman accompanying her at the time, a sorceress by the name of Cynis Zerabia.

A few things of note concerning Zerabia: she had a strange collared girl with her that used sinister black essence and phantom-like attacks that none of the Celestials have seen before. Also, when she and the collared girl (Mourning Bell) teleported away it was with the use of what Xurizu claims is Celestial Circle Sorcery, which ought to be an impossible feat for a Dragon-blood. As Nanaret already mentioned, both Zerabia and Mourning Bell have seen her true identity and her anima, so they would be able to mark her as Anathema should she not be disguised.

Gerrun, however, was killed with the help of another mystery figure, known as Pale Gaze. He is apparently one of the Starchosen, like Higura. He employed considerable power with thrown weapons and damaging Charms. Currently he is in the Conclave disguised under the identity of 'Liam' and is apparently there with a partner.

After Gerrun died, Dreams-of-Light's collar instantly deactivated and she was freed. Dashu, Dreams, Nanaret and Xurizu made it to the planned rendezvous set up with one of Mockingbird's assistants and were shipped outside hidden in crates of cargo. A convenient distraction allowed them to get away and return to the Settlement safely.

Meanwhile, the Mining Settlement had its own share of excitement.

Following up on Dena's original contact with the builder bug hive (which netted them the royal confection which was so popular with refugees), she returned with Third Beneficiary to meet with the Hive Queen they now know is named Chilomena. The builder bugs have apparently been genetically engineered thousands of years ago by a joint effort between Solar and Lunar Creators, in order to maintain the Pillar of Creation and operate its factories. Their records (depicted as artistic murals deep in Hive Irix Chilomena) shed some insight into their history and the Celestials' involvement in it -- or rather, their past lives who lived in the era the hive was born.

After an amiable meeting with the Queen, Dena and Third returned to the settlement to report that the Queen of Hive Irix Chilomena wished to pay them a personal visit to build an alliance between the builder bugs and the humans. They had a few days still before the Queen's visit, though, so spent the majority of it training or resting.

During that lull in activity, the refugee lookouts spied a potential intruder, who turned out to be Talia Zerith, a Twilight Caste Solar apparently fleeing from recapture. She was pursued by a group of three Immaculate monks and a half dozen acolytes. Nearly the entire camp mobilized to fight them off, including the refugees who got to exercise their harsh but effective training with Tycho for the first time. Four out of six acolytes died in the conflict, but the Celestials chose to spare the rest of them -- particularly Third, who spoke strongly on behalf of attempting to turn the Dragon-blooded to their cause, and Higura, who agreed on giving them a chance for redemption. The survivors' names are (Fire Aspect) Cathak Jilava, (Earth Aspect) Bastion of Purity, (Wood Aspect) Jade Willow, and the two surviving acolytes, Maple and Cedar.

Tycho found this course of action reprehensible and there was a short altercation, which fortunately died down. However, the differences in ideology were apparently enough to drive him to leave the Conclave along with a small (about 20) contingent of refugees he had trained. He has left only recently, right before the festival Dena decided to set up in order to welcome Queen Chilomena, and pep up the refugees at the same time.

It certainly seems like the festival has succeeded in both.

[Private to Talia Zerith: By the way, I don't think you ever mentioned that you were originally hiding out in Free's rebel camp, or one of such camps anyway. I'm not sure you would have seen Free himself much if at all, but you were there and you met his agents, the beastman Freerunners, too. So you'd know a little bit of that if you wanted to mention it. If not, well... the PCs will find out another way.]

"Alright then, now that we're all together again we should probably hurry to abandon the camp and move to the Builder Bug lair to prepare for our attack." Dena suggests.  "Third, will you need help keeping the prisoner's controlled?  I'll help you with that if you need it, otherwise I'll try to assist the mortals."